THE Archbishop of York has invited all the members of his Diocesan Synod to The Great Get Together - a national series of events in tribute to former MP Jo Cox.

Dr John Sentamu will sit down for lunch with members of the 600 churches making up the Church of England’s Diocese of York on Saturday.

The three days of events will mark the first anniversary of Jo’s murder on June 16, 2016, while working in her constituency of Batley and Spen. Jo, who spoke of how we have more in common than that which divides us, campaigned tirelessly for a fairer, kinder and more tolerant world.

Her murder sparked an outpouring of grief and solidarity in the UK and across the world.

York Diocesan Synod includes more than a hundred members representing the Deaneries and churches of the Diocese of York, travelling from as far afield as Middlesbrough, Scarborough, Hull and Selby to meet on Saturday morning at Manor Church of England Academy in York.

Archbishop Sentamu said: “At the heart of the Christian Gospel is reconciliation between us and God and in ourselves. This reconciliation, forgiveness and justice bring us into a community of trust and compassion.

“A meeting of our Diocesan family is a great time to thank God for Jo Cox. She inspired us with her passion for finding common ground with people of goodwill and building a better world with them.”

Brendan Cox, Jo’s husband, added: “I’m both amazed and humbled that so many people have said they want to take part in The Great Get Together.

“I think the huge response is because we’re tapping into the national mood. A desire for unity and togetherness rather than the divisiveness of politics and the public debate in recent years.”